The Knicks are on the road to face the Boston Celtics, with both team’s playing their first-game of the season. Tip-off for this season-opener, is set for 7:30 at TD Garden.
Knicks vs Celtics
The Knicks Are Looking To Start Their Season With A Win
Ranked 19th in our pre-season power rankings, the Knicks have a 64.6% chance of making the playoffs. Last season, New York finished 50-32, placing 2nd in the Eastern Conference and Atlantic division. They were 27-14 at home and 23-18 on the road.
New York went 42-39 against the spread and 36-11 straight-up when favored. They were favored in 47 games, covering in 28. The average over/under line for their games was 221.9 points, and they had a 36-45-1 O/U record, with their games averaging 221 points per game.
The Celtics Are Looking To Start Their Season With A Win
Boston enters the season ranked 2nd in our power rankings, with a 75.9% chance of winning the Atlantic Division. Last season, the Celtics finished 1st in the Eastern Conference with a 64-18 record, going 37-4 at home and 27-14 on the road. They were 15-2 in division play, finishing 1st in the Atlantic Division.
Boston was favored in 78 games last season, going 39-35 against the spread in those matchups. Their games averaged 229.8 points, with an average O/U line of 229.2 points. The Celtics had an O/U record of 43-38-1.
Knicks Offense Breakdown
The Knicks enter the season ranked 19th in our offensive power rankings after finishing last season 19th in points per game (112.8). They were last in possessions per game (94.8) but ranked 1st in offensive rebounds (12.7 per game). New York was 18th in field goal attempts (88.7 per game) and 21st in field goal percentage (46.5%). They were 10th in three-pointers made (13.2 per game) and 14th in three-point percentage (36.9%).
Jalen Brunson is projected to lead the Knicks in scoring, ranking 4th in our league-wide projections. Mikal Bridges, acquired from the Nets, is projected to be 3rd on the team in points and 2nd in three-pointers made. Karl-Anthony Towns is projected to be 2nd in scoring, ranking 29th in the league.
Celtics Offense Breakdown
Boston enters the season as our top-ranked offense after finishing 2nd in points per game (120.6) last year. The Celtics were 20th in possessions per game (97.2), but they were efficient, ranking 7th in field goal percentage (48.7%). They led the league in three-pointers made (16.5) and attempted (42.5) per game, finishing 2nd in three-point percentage (38.8%).
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown return as Boston’s top scoring threats, with Tatum projected to finish 6th in the league in points per game. Brown is projected to be 20th. Derrick White and Jrue Holiday are also expected to be key contributors, while Kristaps Porzingis is out to start the season.
Knicks Team Defense
Last season, the Knicks ranked 17th in our defensive power rankings, allowing 108.2 points per game, the third-best mark in the NBA. They held opponents to 47.1% shooting from the field, ranking 14th, and were 12th in three-point defense, allowing 36.2% shooting. Inside the arc, New York limited opponents to 54.2% shooting, ranking 11th in two-point defense.
Karl-Anthony Towns is expected to lead the Knicks in rebounding, with Josh Hart also contributing on the boards. New York ranked 21st in defensive rebounds last season and averaged 4.1 blocks per game, placing 29th in the NBA. They were 17th in steals, averaging 7.5 per contest.
Celtics Team Defense
Last season, the Knicks were one of the stingiest teams in the NBA, allowing just 108.2 points per game, which ranked 3rd in the league. Heading into this season, we have them 17th in our defensive power rankings. Opponents shot 47.1% from the field against New York, placing them 14th in field-goal percentage allowed, while they ranked 12th in three-point defense, holding teams to 36.2% shooting.
Karl-Anthony Towns is expected to be a key rebounder for the Knicks, who ranked 21st in defensive rebounding last season. Josh Hart also contributes on the boards, but Precious Achiuwa, one of their top rebounders, is currently out. In blocked shots, New York ranked 29th in the NBA, averaging 4.1 per game.
Knicks vs Celtics Trends
- Although New York has a straight up record of 5-5 in their last ten road games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 6-4. The team averaged 109 points per game in these games.
- When looking at their past five home matchups, Boston has an ATS record of 1-4 while averaging 103 per game. The team went 4-1 overall in these games.
- As the betting underdog, the Knicks have an ATS mark of just 6-4 in their last ten games. New York posted a straight up mark of 4-6 in these matchups.
- Through their last three matchups as the betting favorite, the Celtics have a good straight up record, but their ATS mark is just 1-1-1.
Knicks vs Celtics Prediction
Coming in as the underdogs at +5.5, we have the Knicks as the way to go on the point spread. Not only do we have them covering, but our projections show they have a good one of winning this one straight-up, if you’re looking for a higher payout on the moneyline.
As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 223.5 and our model has the Knicks and Celtics finishing with a combined 237 points. Our pick is to take the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:October 22, 2024 Celtics, Knicks